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4 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Your Commute

For many a daily commute is just a normal part of their day. And in most cases, you might not be aware of just how much time you actually spend driving to work.

Unfortunately, even if your ride to work doesn’t seem as though it takes too long, at the end of the day, that commute could be costing you more than you realize. Instead of spending your hard-earned money on something like transportation, consider these four ways to reduce the cost of your commute. This way you can free up more of your income for more important things.

1. Try Public Transportation

Your daily commute takes a larger toll on your vehicle than you know. Between racking up your mileage, wearing out your tires, and the cost of gas, the constant use of your car to get to and from work could cost you hundreds to possibly thousands in the long run.

Instead of wearing out your vehicle, you might want to consider hopping on the train or bus and going public instead. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have valuable extra time to put to use as you please.

2. Consider a Carpool

In most cases, you and your coworkers probably live in fairly close vicinity to one another. If you have coworkers you wouldn’t mind sharing a ride with, consider carpooling to work instead of riding solo. Opt to switch on an off on who drives and you’ll not only reduce the cost of driving expenses, but eradicate some of the wear and tear on your car.

3. Think Outside the Box

Depending on the climate in your town, another great alternative is to bike to work. Biking to work might not be for everyone, depending on your physical health and the distance from home to work.

Nonetheless, if you have the opportunity to do so, you’ll get valuable exercise within your day. Plus, you’ll save a hefty amount on gas and car expenses as well. And even if you can’t bike year-round, doing so while you can, can save you lots as well.

4. Rearrange Your Work Day

Part of the cost of your commute is often times the length of time you spend doing so thanks to traffic. Most people tend to head to work and leave around the same times, which means you’ll likely get stuck in rush hour twice. Meaning, you’re likely burning gas during the start and stop of cars.

Instead of sticking to your 9-5, ask your employer if it’d be possible to rearrange your work day to either begin earlier or later, so you can miss peak traffic times.

Your commute to work shouldn’t eat away at your paycheck. Thankfully, there are other transportation alternatives that’ll get you to your destination and reduce the constant costs of driving to work. Consider switching to one of these alternatives. You’ll find your bank account happier and possibly find yourself more relaxed by enabling yourself to truly enjoy the ride.

Which of these options would you consider switching to? Does where you live affect your ability to choose any of these alternatives?